by Al Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi said that the death of Liverpool and Portugal striker Diogo Jota influenced his team against Fluminense on Friday before the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
The Saudi Club’s full -back, Joao Cancelo, is a Portuguese international and midfielder Ruben Neves was a teammate from Jota at the Portugalian national team and in the Premier League Club Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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The 28-year-old Jota died alongside his younger brother Andre after her vehicle broke off a highway in northern Spain before broke out on fire on Thursday.
“We all know that it is a sad day because Diogo and Andre, unfortunately, shouldn’t happen what shouldn’t happen,” said the Italian.
“As we all know, we have two Portuguese players, Ruben Neves and Cancelo, who were very close to the boys. Today was a difficult day for everyone today. We tried to work, but the atmosphere was not like other days today. It was a tragedy,” he added.
Al Hilal left -back Moteb Al Alharbi said the team tried to support the Portuguese couple.
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“From the moment when we woke up today, we were shocked by the news. They are teammates of him and we were all sad, but we were everywhere around them. I also believe that they will be ready even though they have these shocking news,” he said.
“You weren’t emotionally best, but I think you will concentrate on the game,” added Saudi winger Khalid Alghannam.
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